Miriam Margolyes is an iconic actor of theatre, TV, and film, regarded as one of the funniest storytellers, and known for her roles in the TV series Vanity Fair (1998), films like A Nice Girl Like Me (1969), Little Dorrit (1988), Martin Scorsese’s The Age of Innocence (1993), and Professor Sprout in the Harry Potter film series (2002–2011).
It’s shameful to admit, but it’s been a bit of a lifelong affair, and I do now feel I’m as good as it gets. I’m honourable, kind, friendly, warm, intelligent, generous, and I’ve got a good sense of humour.
Miriam Margolyes
Early Life
Miriam Margolyes was born on May 18, 1941, in Oxford, England. Margolyes has established herself as a character actor par excellence, both on stage and screen. With a career spanning over six decades, she has become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Margolyes went to Oxford High School for her early education. She later attended the University of Cambridge. It was at Cambridge, she honed her craft and prepared for a life dedicated to the arts. Her career began in theatre, but it wasn’t long before she made her film acting debut in the British comedy “A Nice Girl Like Me” in 1969.
Cinamatic Jouney
Her talent has earned her a BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her portrayal of Mrs. Mingott in Martin Scorsese’s “The Age of Innocence” (1993). She also brought to life the character of Professor Sprout in the beloved Harry Potter film series. Margolyes gets many awards and accolades for her contributions to drama. In 2002, Queen appointed her an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Beyond her notable film roles, Margolyes has been a familiar voice in animation, lending her vocal talents to characters in “Babe” (1995), “James and the Giant Peach” (1996), and “Mulan” (1998), among others. Her television appearances have been equally memorable, with roles in series such as “Blackadder,” “Cold Comfort Farm,” and “Call the Midwife.”.
Multifaced Career
Margolyes’ work extends beyond acting. She has authored books, including her autobiographies This Much is True (2021) and Oh Miriam (2023), offering insights into her life and experiences.
Miriam Margolyes, a tour de force in the acting world, has not only graced the screens with her presence but has also had a profound impact on the stage. One of Margolyes’ most notable stage performances is her one-woman show “Dickens’ Women,” where she brings to life 23 of Charles Dickens’ female characters. This show has been critically acclaimed and has toured internationally. It showcased Margolyes’ ability to captivate an audience with her storytelling prowess.
Margolyes continues to enchant audiences with her new live stage show, “Oh Miriam! Live.” This show presents a collection of juicy, jaw-dropping stories from her eventful life and career. It’s a reflection of her irrepressible spirit and humour, offering an intimate look at the experiences that have shaped her as an actress and a person. The show has been described as “reliably outrageous and always entertaining,” and it’s clear that Margolyes’ stage presence is as strong as ever.
The Theatre Doyen
From her early days, Margolyes showed a penchant for the classics, with performances in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” as the Nurse, a role that allowed her to explore the depths of character acting. Her portrayal of Madame Ranyevskaya in Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard” was another highlight, bringing to life the complexities of a woman grappling with the loss of her family estate.
Her performances as Miss Prism in Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” Madame Morrible in “Wicked,” Miss Shepherd in “The Lady in the Van,” “I’ll Eat You Last” as Sue Mengers, “Cloud Nine,” and “The Vagina Monologues” have pushed the boundaries of traditional theatre and allowed her to explore more avant-garde and contemporary themes.
As an actress holding both British and Australian citizenship, Margolyes has touched audiences worldwide with her performances. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to imbue each role with authenticity and humanity have made her a treasured icon in the arts.
Margolyes is also known for her humanitarian views and for being a vocal critic of Israel’s role in Palestine. She is also a signatory to “Jews for Justice for Palestinians.” On April 6, 2024, Margolyes released a video criticising the Israeli government for its ongoing invasion of Gaza and calling on Jews to “shout, beg, and scream” for a ceasefire, saying that “I have never been so ashamed of Israel as I am at this moment.”
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